“No, there isn’t.” Julia smiled so sadly that I wished I could do something to comfort her. “And miracles seem to be in short supply at the moment.”

Before I could respond, I heard the doorbell.

Startled, Julia glanced at me.

“Probably Kanesha,” I said, rising.

Julia paled. “I wish I didn’t have to talk to her tonight.”

“It’s best to get it over with. Maybe I can stay with you while you talk to her.” I smiled at her before I left the room.

I peered through the peephole in the front door. Kanesha Berry, along with Deputy Bates, stood on the front porch. I couldn’t postpone this, no matter how much I wanted to. I opened the door.

“Hello again, Mr. Harris.” Kanesha nodded at me. “I have more questions for you, like why you forgot to mention the fact that you weren’t alone at the hotel.”

“I’ll be happy to explain that. Come in, please,” I said, standing aside.

“I also want to speak to Justin Wardlaw. Is he here?” Kanesha remained on the doorstep.

“He is, and so is his mother. I think she would like to speak to you first.” I motioned for her to enter, and this time she did.

“How long has Mrs. Wardlaw been here?” Kanesha turned to face me after I closed the door.

I thought for a moment. “Perhaps half an hour.”

Kanesha grimaced, and I could tell she was not happy about this. She probably thought Julia and I had been cooking up alibis together.

“This way, please,” I said. “Mrs. Wardlaw is in the kitchen, if you don’t mind talking to her in there.”

“Wherever you like.” Kanesha and Bates followed me.

Julia was standing by the table when we entered the kitchen. Diesel had disappeared, probably upstairs with Justin. Julia appeared composed, but I knew how anxious she must be.

“Good evening, Mrs. Wardlaw,” Kanesha said, halting on the other side of the table from Julia. “This is Deputy Bates.”

“Ma’am,” Bates said, removing his hat and sticking it under his arm.

“Good evening.” Julia nodded at them each in turn. “Is it okay if Mr. Harris stays with me?”

“He might as well.” Kanesha’s tone was sharp enough to cut through stone. “I’m sure he’s already heard everything you have to say.”

Julia frowned at that, and I shrugged. The damage was done. Any investigator with a shred of intelligence wouldn’t take anything we said at face value anyway.

“Why don’t we sit down?” I indicated empty chairs. “Can I get you something to drink?”

Both deputies declined my offer. Julia and I sat first, then the two deputies took seats. Bates pulled his notebook and a pencil from a pocket and prepared to take notes.

“Charlie told me you’re in charge of the investigation,” Julia said. Her complete attention seemed to be focused on Kanesha.